She has been blogging about her (and Harley's) work at the canter. She's also been blogging about trying movements that might be above your horse's current training level. That got me thinking. So, during my Saturday morning ride, I gave something new a try!

Stephen Peters riding Ravel at the 2010 WEG

I feel like I need a disclaimer here. If Stephen Peters wrote about walk to canter transitions, he might use the exact (okay, maybe not exact) words to describe his work. I can guarantee that his descriptive words would include, connected, uphill, soft, lengthen, stretch, etc. So really, I feel silly using those same terms to describe my puny little rides. On the other hand, Speedy's recent work has been beyond all of my expectations. To me, he has become incredibly connected, uphill, and soft! I guess my point is that if you want tips from a pro, there are many out there. If you want to read about someone's journey of discovery, here we are!

Since I am still learning the correct movement of my seat and elbows for the canter, I decided to try a canter transition from the walk. I reasoned that I might get a better feel for the movement my seat needs to make if done from a walk. My reasoning might be faulty, but I think I'm on the right track.

I started Speedy out at a nice supple walk and asked him for softness with good reach from his hind legs. I pictured in my mind a forward inside leg with an outside leg lightly touching his side. My seat would scoop forward and we would canter. And that's what I did. And Speedy ... cantered! It wasn't perfect. He gave a funny shuffle in the back, but then we were cantering. And it was exquisitely soft. We came back to a few trot strides and then walked. He lengthened his neck and stretched deeply. I gathered him back up and repeated the movement several times. He got better each time.

If you would have suggested even two months ago that I would be riding a submissive pony at the canter from the walk, I would have laughed hysterically. And yet, here we are! If this is just a lucky week, I'll take it. If this is the result of two years of hard dressage work, even better. I can't wait to see where we are in two more years. Bring it on!

I just knew Speedy was a special horse! Your dedication to dressage and your horses cannot be denied as the keystone to your accomplishments.

Karen,
Thank you for the support. I am very flattered and appreciative of your kind words. I am delighted to hear of your canter success. Speedy and Sydney are lucky to have such a thoughtful and sensitive rider. I am happy that we can share our experiences. Thank you for making it feel so worthwhile!
Sincerely,
Val

Reply

Karen Sweaney

8/14/2011 04:36:53 am

Sharing ideas and experience with others across the country has been really exciting for me. I genuinely appreciate what others in "far away" places think and do.

As an example: Many teachers guard their good ideas. My team thrives on sharing and recognizes that when we give away our ideas, we reap so much in return. I say share away!

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martina Peterson

8/14/2011 01:17:11 pm

I am so happy that Speedy G is surpasing your expectations. You think the rider has something to do with this? Keep up the good work.

Reply

Karen Sweaney

8/16/2011 11:25:43 pm

Thanks, Mom!

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About the Writer & Rider

I am a lifetime rider. I began endurance riding in 1996 where I ultimately completed five, one-day 100 mile races, the 200-mile Death Valley Encounter, and numerous other 50, 65, and 75 mile races. I began showing dressage in 2010.​Welcome to my dressage journey.

About Speedy G

Speedy went from endurance horse to dressage horse and occasional trail horse. He is a 2004, 15'1 hand, purebred Arabian gelding. His Arabian Horse Registry name is G Ima Starr FA.

July 2017 - Photo by Sue Dockweiler

About Izzy

Izzy was started as a four-year old and then spent the next 18 months in pasture growing up. I bought him as a six-year old, and together, we are schooling the dressage basics. He is a 2008, 16'3 hand Zweibrücker gelding. His Rheinland Pfalz-saar International (RPSI) name is Imperioso.